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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 04, 2016 (SKNIS): Acting Commissioner of Police, Stafford Liburd, described the last two weeks in St. Kitts and Nevis as challenging due to an increase in homicides and shootings. He confirmed that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has implemented a number of measures to address antisocial activities.

 

Mr. Liburd made the comments while appearing on the Government’s weekly radio and television programme “Working for You” on Wednesday, February 03.

 

“We have embarked on increasing the police presence throughout the island,” he said.  “Officers will be deployed to ensure a visible 24-hour presence on our roadways and in our communities on both islands. In order to arrest this criminal behaviour the police service has sought the assistance and received commitment from our law enforcement partners in the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, in that I mean the land forces and the coast guard section and our partners at Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department. We have engaged our partners in the prison service as well.”

 

The acting commissioner used the opportunity to explain reasons into the sudden closure at her Majesty’s Prison.

 

“An operation in the prison has discovered cellphones and other contraband and an investigation into the matter has been ongoing,” said Mr. Liburd.  “As a result of that engagement we, the police, fully support the decision to close the prison to visitors for the next 21 days.”

 

He noted that the community needs to do its part and assist the police.

 

“All continued efforts against crime and criminal behavior to ensure citizen safety in our communities and to our nation will demand the greatest effort and commitment from our officers,” he said.  “We will be steadfast in our charge, however, our best effort will not be enough. To reduce crime and the fear of crime in our communities on St. Kitts and Nevis will require the help of you the community; it will require the assistance of the families, the churches, the schools, the community organizations and the community as a collective body.”

 

He added that the police has made progress and noted that “the continuing and greater progress can only be realized” with the help from communities for a better twin-island Federation. He echoed a call for assistance as the RSCNPF makes efforts to ensure citizen safety and security.